Boundary Waters/Quetico, Minnesota and Ontario

The Boundary Waters is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. Thanks to the international border, though, canoeists can access quiet Canadian lakes in Quetico National Park. Noted conservationist Aldo Leopold pioneered a popular route back in 1924, crossing the line at Basswood Lake and stringing together a 75-mile, 27-portage loop starting and ending at Moose Lake on the Minnesota side. Leopold's route is quintessential North Country: A labyrinth of large and small lakes and rocky shores dotted with indigenous pictographs. Obtaining a remote area border crossing permit is relatively painless. Get yours from the Canada Border Services Agency website, or ask a local outfitter for more information.